Lot 179. A cloisonné enamel dragon dish, Early 17th century; 9 1/2in (24.1cm) high. Estimate US$ 15,000 - 20,000 (€ 13,000 - 17,000). Sold for US$ 9,562 (€ 8,146). © Bonhams 2001-2021

The long, rectangular three-board top composed of a mitred, mortise and tenon frame with thumb-print edge above plain aprons and u-shaped spandrels supported by slightly splayed legs of rounded section joined by paired stretchers, the whole covered by a rich layer of brown lacquer exhibiting fine crackle throughout.

Note: For a larger dish with a dragon and phoenix to the center and a very similar treatment of the rim and underside decoration and also dated to the early 17th century, see Beatrice Quette (ed.), Cloisonné, Chinese Enamels from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, New York, 2011, p. 251, pl.54.

For a large dish with two confronted dragons contesting a flaming pearl dated to the Wanli period (1573-1615), see Enamel Ware in the Ming and Ch'ing Dynasties, National Palace Museum, 1999, p. 79, no. 11.

A larger dish (13 3/4in diameter) with dragon and phoenix design was sold at Bonhams, London, 11 May 2021, lot 246.